Youth Central, if you didn’t already know, is a volunteer organization for students to join! It offers a variety of different projects for students to choose and partake in, ranging from volunteering at a peaceful elderly home, serving food at a chaotic stampede breakfast, or even caring for the environment at Weaselhead park. Today, I’m going to be telling you about one of my favorite volunteer projects!!
I’ve volunteered at Club 36 in Seton a bunch of times. The name doesn’t really explain what it is, so it’s basically a day-camp for people over the age of 55 living with Alzheimer’s. You’re probably wondering why they have a day-camp for people with Alzheimer’s, and there is actually a really profound reason behind it.
When someone has Alzheimer’s or any form of dementia, they may lose the ability to think coherently and take care of themselves, putting immense stress and extra work for their caregivers. Many families like having their loved ones nearby and don’t want to send them to a permanent home, but they may be constantly struggling every day to take care of everything. That’s why Club 36 is there to help. Almost every Saturday, families can drop off their loved one living with dementia, giving them a couple hours to just rest and take time for themselves. At the center, these individuals engage in a variety of activities, including painting, singing, and so much more.
While I volunteered there I learned about what dementia really is and how it affects the brain, while also learning about effective ways to engage these individuals in uplifting activities. One activity they emphasized was art, and how it is both enjoyable and keeps the mind active. At Club 36, art (and music) is incorporated into a variety of activities, which allows for their minds to not only be active, but to also grant them some simple enjoyment for the day.
When I volunteered there a couple of times, one of my favorite activities was making a Dreamcatcher. It’s basically an art project where you tape down strings on a piece of paper and then paint over everything. You use bright and beautiful colours while adding glitter and sparkles and anything your heart desires. Once you’re done, you remove the strings and you’re left with a beautiful design. I love this project because not only is the outcome stunning, but I love seeing the people get so happy over little things like this. It kind of reminds me of little kids doing crafts at preschool, and seeing their faces light up with joy when they finish their masterful work.
Another one of my favorite activities was axe-throwing. I know you’re probably thinking, “ummm are you sure you did that??”, which is a valid question. When I mean axe-throwing, it was just a kids version with small plastic axes, a board, and us standing pretty close to it. Apart from me liking the activity because it’s, well, axe-throwing, I thought it was a good game for the participants to play because it utilized their brain (to aim for the center), and it required some physical movement which is good for everyone.
Of course this project is great in so many different ways, but I felt that it would be best to tell you some of the challenging aspects too (which actually can be seen as positives if you really think about it). One main thing was it could be a little bit repetitive trying to communicate with these individuals. Like we had to be super patient, annunciate our words, and repeat ourselves a lot. I mean this isn’t necessarily a big issue or anything, and I honestly feel pretty bad because they are facing these issues – but if you ever think of doing this project make sure to be very very patient with them. Another thing to keep in mind was that sometimes they would be very honest and straightforward about what they think. Like they may comment on your hair or say you’re not doing something good enough, and at that moment you just need to keep in mind that they can’t really control themselves and it is your duty to be kind.
Overall, I really like this project and I encourage all of you reading to definitely give it a chance if you can. You learn so so much about patience, kindness, and seeing them smile can truly light up your day!!
Hope to see you on the next project!!!!!!!!!!
If you wan’t to learn more about Club 36:
https://www.alzheimercalgary.ca/find-support/get-help/club-36
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